What can BIM do for you?

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The concept of BIM or Building Information Modelling is quite simple, it is the process for creating and managing information for a construction project lifecycle. The Building Information Model – the digital description of each aspect of the building process, is one of the key elemental outputs of the process.

The model draws on the collaborative information assembled and updated at key stages of the project. Creating a digital Building Information Model allows those who work with or interact with the building to optimize actions offering a greater whole life value.

“BIM is not a piece of software, it’s a way to do things.”

BIM has created a digital revolution within the construction industry. BIM creates value for combined efforts of people, process technology within the project. BIM is Modelling information and information Management. BIM is a new way of working. BIM sets a new way for team to work to the same standards and values.

Bringing together all the information to one place. This helps in creating the documentation faster but provides stringent quality assurance. Anyone can access the information allowing better integration of the project to come together more effectively that reduces the risk or errors and costs.

The data from BIM can be used to illustrate an entire building life-cycle from the initial concept and design to demolition and possible materials that can be recycled, systems, products can be shown in relative scale, relative to the entire project. BIM prevents errors by signaling conflict detection, preventing errors from popping up at various points in the development or construction stages.

“BIM is an evolution.”

A key aspect to consider is that BIM aims to minimize or eliminate information loss through the process of design, construction and operation of a building. At each stage structured information should be added to the BIM. This information will allow the design team to make informed decisions at the correct time, de-risking the project and ensuring that a better building is delivered.

Change Management

Data is stored in a central place, in a BIM model, any modification to the building design will automatically replicate in each view such as floor plans, sections and elevation.

Building Simulation

BIM models not only contain architectural data but the full depth of the building information including data related to the different engineering disciplines such as the load-bearing structures, all the ducts and pipes of the different building systems and even sustainability information as well with which all the characteristics of a building can easily be simulated well in advance.

Data Management

BIM contains information that is not visually represented. Scheduling information, for example clarifies the necessary manpower, coordination and anything that might affect the outcome of the project schedule.

It is needless to say that all these data put in a BIM model is not only useful during the design and construction phase of a building project but can be used throughout the entire building lifecycle helping to reduce the operation and management cost of buildings.

“BIM is a system because it can be described as a unified entity consisting of many interacting parts, some physical, others not.”

Many say that BIM is a type of software, others say BIM is the 3D virtual model of buildings and some say BIM is a process or BIM is nothing more than the collection of building data structured into an easy to look at base for both for data.

As hardware, software and cloud applications give greater capability to handle increasing amounts of raw data and information. BIM gives a virtual representation of the building, available for study before construction begins.

The future of the construction industry is changing to digital, and BIM is at the forefront of design and long-term facility management; driven by technology and clear processes; and it is implementing change across all industries.

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